Preliminary Hearings with the Traffic Commissioner
Preliminary Hearings – Traffic Commissioner
We represent operators called to preliminary hearings with the Traffic Commissioner and senior team leader (STL) interviews.
A preliminary hearing is a chance to put to rest any concerns that the Commissioner may have with your operation without the matter escalating to a full Public Inquiry.
Our lawyers will work closely with you before your hearing to gather evidence and to address any areas of concern. We will represent you at your preliminary hearing and help you to present you case.
If you have an upcoming STL interview, we will help you to prepare for it and accompany you to the meeting to present you evidence.
Reasons to be called to a Preliminary Hearing
The Traffic Commissioner preliminary hearings take place when there are concerns over the way you manage your transport business. Common reasons can include:
- a poor MOT pass rate or OCRS score
- maintenance or drivers hours problems or prohibitions
- a failure to notify a change of maintenance provider or company director
- lack of financial standing
- tachograph infringements
Sometimes the Traffic Commissioner will call a preliminary hearing following a DVSA investigation. However, they can also arise from an unsatisfactory desk-based assessment by the Remote Enforcement Office (REO).
Whatever the reason, our transport lawyers can help.
Senior Team Leader Interviews
An STL interview is a meeting with a senior team leader from the Office of the Traffic Commissioner. It will typically be held if there are concerns that require an explanation but cannot easily be dealt with through correspondence.
We can advise you on appropriate assurances and undertakings that can be offered to allay the Commissioner’s concerns.
Our Approach
Whether you have a preliminary hearing or a senior team leader interview coming up, our team can help. We will work closely with your business to address concerns and resolve problems. Whilst we do not believe in taking an unnecessarily antagonistic approach, we will always examine all options to get you the best outcome possible. We provide free initial consultations and offer fixed fees. Speak to one of our transport lawyers today on 01159106218 or email transportlaw@rotheras.co.uk.
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“Our experienced and specialist team represent clients nationally on a day-to-day basis”
Anton Balkitis
Head of Transport Law
Posted 01/27/2020
"Impressive group with expertise in both matrimonial finance cases and children matters. A strong childcare team handles cases involving physical and emotional abuse, as well as fatalities. Well versed in matters with international aspects, Hague Convention cases, as well as adoption and guardianship issues.
Chambers UK, 2018
Posted 01/27/2020
Anton Balkitis frequently represents the operators of both goods and passenger vehicles in court proceedings. Clients remark: "He has a commercial understanding of real-life issues and will always provide a balanced view
Chambers UK, 2019
Posted 01/27/2020
Impressive group with expertise in both matrimonial finance cases and children matters. A strong childcare team handles cases involving physical and emotional abuse, as well as fatalities. Well versed in matters with international aspects, Hague Convention cases, as well as adoption and guardianship issues.
Chambers UK, 2018
Posted 06/02/2020
Chris Powell at Rotheras was recommended to us by a trusted associate within the Transport Industry; without doubt we wouldn’t have had the excellent outcome we did without his and his team’s involvement. The level of professionalism, expert advice and assistance was faultless; we felt reassured and well informed throughout the whole process. It was a pleasure to do business with him and would highly recommend his services!
Julian Brindley - John Brindley Ltd
Posted 08/12/2020
The team at Rotheras, and Mr Powell in particular, have provided us with an outstanding service. We are extremely grateful for the help and support they gave us in dealing with issues relating to our transport operations and our goods vehicle operators licence. Mr Powell was professional, knowledgable, efficient and effective. He quickly understood our business and the problem we had. He responded with sensible advice and acted quickly on our behalf to resolve the matter. I cannot thank him enough for his help and I would recommend Mr Powell, and the Rotheras team, without hesitation. I am extremely grateful for the help they gave us.
Richard Hitchcock - Hitchcock & King
Posted 08/12/2020
I would highly recommend James Briggs, solicitor at Rotheras. He has been extremely helpful, patient and thorough whilst helping me with affairs following the death of my husband. Even during lockdown (covid) he maintained communication and kept me informed of what was happening. He successfully achieved the outcome I needed and I would not hesitate to recommend him.
Yvonne Gold
Posted 09/30/2020
We are in the middle of launching our own packaging agency and contacted Rotheras for some professional legal advice with regards to contracts. After an initial call with Billy, he made it clear what we needed and asked plenty of questions to understand what it was we needed. He was very responsive to our questions, whether it be over the phone or via emails and made the process really simple. We had little experience in this area so it was fantastic to work with Billy, who explained everything concisely. We were also really pleased with the quick turnaround and great value offered. Would thoroughly recommend working with Rotheras.
Tom Burden, Director of Rightbox Ltd
Posted 09/30/2020
Billy understood our requirement from the get go and really nailed down on what we needed in our commercial agency agreement. Billy kept us informed every step of the way and showed great professionalism. We would recommend his services to any start-up business who is in need of legal advice and guidance with commercial contracts.
Axl Barber, Sales Director of Rightbox Ltd
Posted 02/11/2021
I was extremely pleased with the service that Kerry provided in order to sell my mothers house. Good, prompt communication and all questions dealt with or answered as requested. Consequently I would recommend yours services to others.
Adam Stevens
Posted 03/25/2021
Anton has substantial experience acting for commercial goods hauliers and other transport operators. He advises on a range of contentious issues including operator licence, maintenance and tachograph matters, with a wealth of experience acting in public inquiries before Traffic Commissioners."Anton is a highly informed and personable lawyer.
Chambers UK, 2020
Posted 03/25/2021
Chris Powell focuses his practice on road transport issues, regularly representing haulage, transport and logistics companies. He has considerable experience in regulatory matters involving operator licences and compliance failings, as well as more serious criminal investigations relating to fraud.
Chambers UK, 2020
Anton Balkitis
a.balkitis@rotheras.co.uk
Anton Balkitis leads the Transport Law team and is a nationally recognised Transport and Motoring Law specialist at Nottingham-based law firm Rotheras Solicitors.
Natalie Abbott
n.abbott@rotheras.co.uk
Natalie is an Employment Law specialist with over 10 years’ experience representing both businesses and individuals across a range of employment services including settlement agreements, discrimination, dismissals and redundancy.
Olivia Maginn
o.maginn@rotheras.co.uk
Olivia Maginn is a transport and motoring law specialist at Nottingham based law firm Rotheras Solicitors.
Chris Powell
c.powell@rotheras.co.uk
Chris Powell is an associate solicitor at Rotheras, specialising in road transport law and motorist defence. He advises and represents haulage and PSV operator licence holders, Transport Managers and drivers on all road transport regulatory matters.
Lindsey Richmond
l.richmond@rotheras.co.uk
Lindsey is a Chartered Legal Executive and Paralegal based in our transport and motorist offence department.
Billy Shaw
b.shaw@rotheras.co.uk
Billy advises businesses on a range of commercial and corporate issues and is happy to assist you with buying or selling businesses, corporate mergers and shareholder agreements
Hardeep Chumber
h.chumber@rotheras.co.uk
Hardeep Chumber is a paralegal in Rotheras Motoring and Transport department and is based at our Lace Market office.
We’re Recruiting: Commercial Property Solicitor
We have a fantastic opportunity for an enthusiastic and dedicated Commercial Property Solicitor with 5+ years PQE to join our highly experienced team.
Posted on 04/14/2021
We’re Recruiting: Private Client Solicitor
We have a fantastic opportunity for an enthusiastic and dedicated Private Client Solicitor with 3+ years PQE to join our team.
Posted on 03/18/2021